We went to Big W yesterday, in the search of a Christmas tree, since all our Christmas-related things are back in Melbourne. We found a tree, put the box in the trolley, as well as decorations and other things. When we passed through the checkout, the checkout girl scanned everything but the Christmas tree box. Christmas tree for free, excellent.

Today I attemped to borrow a few books from the local library. I am new to this library, and assumed I could go in and fill out a form with my details and be on my way. The librarian told me she needed two forms of ID which proved my local address, eg. a bank statement or utilities bill. I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t readily carry my mail around with me. I’ve never had to prove my ID at a library before either.

Turned out I only had my health care card, but because it expires at the end of December she wouldn’t count that. My drivers license didn’t count since it’s a Victorian license. She asked me rudely why didn’t I just get a Queensland license, but since I’m going back to Melbourne at the end of January there is no point.

I left with no books. I gave up trying to persuade her.

Why so hard, Queensland libraries?

4th November, 2009.

I’ve spent my days with the television off, listening to great music, going for walks, taking photographs. It’s strange, being here, when I know others are going through their end-of-year exams, or working full time. It would be easy to feel guilty, or embarrassed, but at the end of the day I wasn’t well in Melbourne, and hadn’t been for a while.

It’s almost two months since I arrived here, and I’m slowly getting back to my old self. Lots of love, hugs, long talks and advice have all helped, and I’m glad that I took this time out, that I didn’t take the medication route to make things better.

I’m looking forward to heading back to Melbourne, I miss my friends, and I miss my classes. I’m looking forward to turning over a new leaf at the end of the year, starting fresh. I’m very ready for the year to be over.

Today has been a day of long conversations, of decisions made. A few plans have changed but I am looking forward to what the new year brings. My upcoming trip to Melbourne next week is unfortunately canceled, but I’ll be back in January instead with my sister in tow.

It’s almost 2am and I’m still listening to Nick Drake. Pink Moon is such a brilliant album.

And I was green, greener than a hill
Where flowers grew and the sun shone still
Now I’m darker than the deepest sea
Just hand me down, give me a place to be

It’s a gorgeous spring afternoon. I feel like going for a walk with my camera, but all the photos would be: tree, tree, another tree, and maybe sunset. :D

I saw my psychologist today, Greta. She’s helping me to be more assertive instead of passive. It’s hard to kick the habit, though I’m trying.

I’m currently trying to reorganise my life for next year.

If you missed it, I moved to Queensland a month ago, to come live with my mother and sister for a while. I took leave from my University in Melbourne for second semester, and I am now looking at transferring to a Queensland university to finish off the rest of my degree. After two weeks of searching through different courses, Bond University is the only university that offers a program similar to what I was studying in Melbourne.

Looks like I’ll be a Gold Coast girl for a year, living on campus.

Now to decide, should I apply for January intake or May? Hmmm.